The problem with "being yourself"

Some people confuse being 'authentic' with having no social skills.

Thank you for backing me up. I'm not saying you should lie and say you have some skill you don't have. Be honest about your shortcomings, but make it clear you would like to move past them with your actions as well as your words. Anyone who says they can easily do anything strikes me as a big phony. Those who acknowledge their shortcomings and limitations while working to improve may not earn popularity or trophies or trust, but they will earn respect from those who see them working to get better.

When MIchael Jordan spent a year playing professional baseball in 1994, he was not the best player on the diamond, and he knew it. So did everyone else. He was always the first person to show up and the last person to leave, because he knew he needed to put the time in to get better. Everyone on the team respected him for that. Too bad Sports Illustrated didn't.

People should try being their "best selves" and not trying to be something that they aren't.

If you enjoyed this meme, you might like this meme where I point out the pitfalls of being willing to "do anything" for someone:

imgflip.com/i/9emrzk

Yes, and they should try to find a healthy balance between optimism and pessimism. While they continue being their "best selves", they should recognize that there will come times when their best will not be good enough.